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- Tasks: Lead a team in freshwater ecology, shaping technical direction and project delivery.
- Company: Sustainability-focused environmental consultancy with a strong reputation for impactful solutions.
- Benefits: Generous leave, flexible hours, private healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to nature and communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years in aquatic ecology and a degree in Environmental Science or related field.
- Other info: Join a purpose-led team that values collaboration and invests in your growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 50000 £ per year.
Job Title: Principal Aquatic Ecologist
Location: Scotland – Glasgow or Perth (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £44,000 – £50,000 DOE
Sector: Environmental Consultancy Ecology Water Services
The Opportunity
A forward-thinking, sustainability-focused environmental consultancy is seeking an experienced Principal Aquatic Ecologist to join its growing team in Scotland. This role offers a unique opportunity to play a key leadership role within a well-established freshwater ecology team, shaping technical direction and contributing directly to the success and culture of the business.
With a strong reputation for practical, impactful solutions in environmental consultancy, the organisation is driven by a mission to deliver work that goes beyond compliance-making a genuine difference to both nature and the communities it serves.
The Role
As Principal Aquatic Ecologist, you\’ll take the lead in developing the Scottish aquatics practice-steering technical delivery, team development, and client engagement. This is an ideal role for a consultant looking to take the next step in their leadership journey, with the autonomy to shape your team and influence strategy.
Key responsibilities include:
- Technical leadership of the freshwater aquatics team, ensuring quality and compliance with UK regulations
- Oversight of project delivery, from conception to completion, across a diverse range of aquatic ecology work
- Identification of new business opportunities and market trends
- Management of client and stakeholder relationships
- Mentoring and developing team members to achieve professional and personal growth
- Leading on tenders, budgeting, and resource planning
About You
To thrive in this role, you\’ll need a mix of technical expertise and people leadership. You\’re someone who enjoys sharing knowledge, guiding others, and building positive relationships-both internally and externally.
Essential Experience & Qualifications:
- 5-10 years\’ experience in freshwater aquatic ecology
- Degree or equivalent in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related discipline
- Professional membership (e.g., CIEEM, CIWEM, IEMA); Chartered status desirable
- In-depth understanding of EIA, water quality monitoring, and freshwater survey methods
- Experience preparing and reviewing HRA assessments
- Demonstrated project management and business development skills
- Strong working knowledge of relevant UK legislation and best practices
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable:
- SFCC Electrofishing qualification or NatureScot protected species licences
- Experience managing subconsultants and multidisciplinary teams
What\’s on Offer
This is more than just a job – it\’s a chance to become a key figure in a purpose-led, people-first business. You\’ll be supported by a collaborative leadership team that values your input and invests in your growth.
Benefits include:
- 25 days annual leave + Scottish bank holidays (increases with tenure)
- 20 days CPD annually
- Paid professional membership fees
- Flexible hours and hybrid working
- Private healthcare
- Company pension scheme
- Paid lunch and TOIL scheme
- UK relocation assistance available for the right candidate
Principal Aquatic Ecologist employer: Eden Scott
Contact Detail:
Eden Scott Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Aquatic Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with folks in the environmental consultancy scene. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, make sure to highlight your experience in freshwater ecology and any successful projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability and community impact. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their goals. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission in aquatic ecology.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Aquatic Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Principal Aquatic Ecologist role. Highlight your technical expertise in freshwater ecology and any leadership experience you've had, as we want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about aquatic ecology and how your values align with our mission. Share specific examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in this field.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's successful project completions or innovative solutions you've implemented, we want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott
✨Know Your Aquatic Ecology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of freshwater ecology, UK regulations, and relevant legislation. Be prepared to discuss specific projects you've worked on and how they align with the company's mission to deliver impactful solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Aquatic Ecologist, you'll be expected to lead a team. Think about examples where you've successfully mentored others or led projects. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships and how you've contributed to team development in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your technical expertise, such as EIA processes or water quality monitoring methods. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making in these areas, as it will demonstrate your depth of knowledge.
✨Engage with Their Vision
Research the company’s values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with their mission to make a genuine difference to nature and communities. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
